{
  "id": 18280835,
  "title": "HK 'to widen trade reach to help nation go global'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/hk-to-widen-trade-reach-to-help-nation-go-global",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T08:29:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK English",
    "slug": "rthk-english",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1876668-20261105.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chief Executive John Lee announced on Thursday that Hong Kong would continue to broaden its global trade network to aid the nation's overall progress. During a speech at the Hong Kong sub-forum of the Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai, Lee mentioned this marked the first major conference organized by the Special Administrative Region (SAR) since unveiling its inaugural five-year plan in September. Lee stated that the conference facilitated exchanges between experts and industry leaders from both mainland China and Hong Kong to discuss how the city could utilize its distinct position under the \"One Country, Two Systems\" framework and integrate into national development. Trade was identified as a primary focus area, with Lee highlighting that Hong Kong has emerged as the fifth-largest merchandise trading entity globally, having signed free-trade agreements with 21 economies and investment agreements with 34 economies. The Hong Kong government intends to further expand its international economic and trade network to assume a more substantial role in the country's high-standard opening up. Lee emphasized that the world is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, accompanied by a global supply chain restructuring and rapid technological advancements. Hong Kong must strategically plan for the future and implement a forward-looking plan with a patient approach. Another crucial area of focus, according to Lee, is finance, which he described as Hong Kong's fundamental and most significant strength. He stressed the need for the SAR to reinforce its position as the world's largest offshore renminbi hub, expand the global utilization of the currency, and develop a commodity and gold trading ecosystem. Further, Lee stated that Hong Kong would cooperatively align with national scientific research and industrial strategies, intensify its investment in science and technology, and aid mainland enterprises in expanding overseas via its GoGlobal Task Force. Lee then visited booths showcasing Hong Kong enterprises and institutions participating in the China International Import Expo, which coincided with the forum. He listened to a presentation by representatives from Hong Kong Polytechnic University and sampled traditional sweetheart cakes at one booth. The cakes, also known as \"wife cakes,\" had gained popularity at high-speed rail stations on the mainland and had been revamped with Hong Kong-inspired packaging elements to cater to younger audiences. Lee also visited a craft beer booth, sampling a beer infused with salty-lemon 7Up, a popular Hong Kong cha chaan teng drink composed of 7Up and salted preserved lemon. A booth representative explained that Hong Kong's advantage lies in its ability to source raw ingredients due to the city's international nature. Lee concluded by expressing his support for the possibility of hosting a beer festival in the future, encouraging businesses to continue their growth and establish themselves as premier local brands for such events. Frederick Ma, chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, commented that the council led a delegation of over 70 Hong Kong enterprises at this year's expo, setting records in both the number of participating exhibitors and the area of exhibition space utilized.",
  "summary": "Chief Executive John Lee on Thursday said Hong Kong would continue to expand its international trade network to better contribute to the country's overall development. Speaking at the Hong Kong sub-forum of the Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai, he noted the event was the first major conference held by the SAR since the unveiling of its first-ever five-year plan in September. The…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/18280835.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}